Get ready to witness history in the making! For the second year in a row, the Big 12 Conference is dominating the women’s college basketball scene, with four of its teams securing spots in the prestigious Associated Press Top 25 Preseason Poll. But here's where it gets even more exciting: three additional schools are knocking on the door, having received votes in the poll. This level of representation isn’t just impressive—it’s a testament to the conference’s growing prowess in women’s basketball.
Leading the charge is Iowa State, ranked No. 14, thanks in large part to the unstoppable force that is Audi Crooks. Named the Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year, Crooks isn’t just a standout—she’s a game-changer. Last season, she earned AP and USBWA Third Team All-American honors while propelling the Cyclones to the NCAA Tournament. And this is the part most people miss: Iowa State has consistently ranked in the top 14 of the preseason poll in four of the last five years, proving they’re not just a flash in the pan.
Baylor, sitting at No. 16, continues its remarkable streak, marking its 21st consecutive season in the preseason poll. With 28 wins and a Second Round NCAA Tournament appearance last season, the Bears are a force to be reckoned with. But here’s a bold question: Can they reclaim their former glory and push deeper into the tournament this year?
TCU, ranked No. 17, is the team everyone’s talking about. Fresh off their first-ever Elite Eight appearance and Big 12 title, the Horned Frogs are soaring to new heights. Their addition of Preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Olivia Miles during the offseason has fans buzzing. Could this be the year TCU makes an even bigger splash on the national stage?
Oklahoma State, at No. 22, is back in the preseason poll for the first time since the 2014-15 season. With a 25-win season and an NCAA Tournament berth under their belt, the Cowgirls are proving they’re not just contenders—they’re here to stay. And this is the part most people miss: their return to the poll signals a resurgence that could shake up the conference dynamics.
West Virginia, K-State, and Kansas also received votes, showcasing the depth of talent in the Big 12. The conference’s dominance isn’t just a fluke—it’s a trend. Since 2010, the Big 12 has consistently sent multiple teams to the Sweet 16, with at least two teams reaching the regional semifinals in 22 of the last 25 tournaments. That’s an 88% success rate, tying them for the second-highest percentage of any league during that span. But here’s the controversial question: Is the Big 12 now the most competitive women’s basketball conference in the nation?
Mark your calendars for October 21, as the Big 12 returns to Kansas City’s T-Mobile Center for the Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day, presented by New Era. Airing live on ESPNU and ESPN+ from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT, this event promises a full preview of the 2025-26 season. With the Preseason Big 12 Media Poll set to be unveiled the week of October 27, the stage is set for another thrilling year of basketball. Don’t miss it—this season is shaping up to be one for the books. What do you think? Is the Big 12 poised to dominate women’s college basketball for years to come? Let us know in the comments!
